The Promise of HeavenSample

Day Six: Receiving The Promise

After recognizing his need for a Savior, the one criminal responded and received, “The Promise of Heaven.” "Then he said, 'Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom" (Luke 23:42, CSB). As a result, the Lord Jesus gave this man the greatest of promises, “. . . Truly I tell you, today, you will be with me in paradise” (Luke 23:43, CSB). This man cried out for mercy and Jesus granted it to him.

To reiterate, there was nothing this man could have done to earn the favor of God—and neither can we. There was nothing he had done that could place him beyond the reach of God’s grace—and neither have we. God’s grace is extended to all as a gift, “For you are saved by grace through faith, and this is not from yourselves; it is God’s gift—not from works, so that no one can boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9, CSB). Those words affirm that the promise Jesus gave this man, is the same promise he’ll give to anyone willing to turn from their sin and trust in him. A promise he secured by his death, and subsequent resurrection.

Prior to one of Jesus’ miracles, he made the following statement, “. . . I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die" (John 11:25, NIV). The reason Jesus could make that promise, is that three days after he died on the cross and was buried in a tomb, he bodily rose from the grave (John 20:11-20). Therefore, because the cross was not the end of his story, because Jesus defeated death, he has the authority to promise eternal life.

The resurrection means there’s more to your story as well. Since Jesus is the resurrection and the life, addiction doesn’t have to be the end of your story. A broken-heart caused by grief and loss, while life-altering, does not have to be the end of your story. Neither does anxiety, depression, guilt, hopelessness, shame, and anything else that is troubling you. Since Jesus was victorious over death (1 Cor. 15:54-57), he can help us overcome other challenges that we face.

Since Christ is alive, He is more than able to resurrect our lives as well as our souls. This is “good news” that provides hope and purpose for the hurting and everyone who believes.

Luke 23:42-43
John 20:11-20
Acts 10:40-43
Ephesians 2:1-10